New US attorney to focus on drug crisis, violent crime

Published 8:56 am, Saturday, December 2, 2017

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (AP) — U.S. Attorney William J. "Bill" Powell says he's looking forward to getting to work now that he's taken the formal oath of office.

The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register reports Powell said at his Friday swearing in ceremony that he'll give "special attention" to violent crime and West Virginia's drug crisis.

Powell was nominated in August by President Donald Trump after U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito recommended Powell. He was confirmed in October by the U.S. Senate and will serve the Northern District of West Virginia.

On the violent crime front, Powell says there'll be an increase in firearms prosecutions. He's promising to focus on combating human trafficking and organized criminal groups.

He says tackling the state's drug problem requires a "multifaceted approach" that includes prosecutors, medical providers and community leaders.